Variations of Power

A few types of Power: Control over Resources, Control over Rewards, and Coercion/Punishment. Power is subject to the Law of Personal Exploitation – the person/entity who cares less has the power to exploit the person who cares more (applicable to government services to employer-employee relations to marriages, etc.). This Law is based on the Principle of Least Interest – the person/entity who cares less about continuing & maintaining the relationship has more power (e.g., the person who is less emotionally involved had more power – hence the appeal of “not caring” or coolness as a way to project power).

Powerful people tend to be more authentic (less prone to impression management; less socially anxious; more likely to speak their mind/heart) but also overly self-confident andprone to excessive risk-taking. Think Donald Trump.